George Saunders wins 2017 Man Booker Prize

Alice Munro and her $ Coin.

Author W.G.Sebald's Writing Room

Twenty Years on Snowshoes

In Chapters now!!!

John Pringle, master short story writer.

New Book, Dandelions, out this fall.

John Pringle's Books are Stepping Out.

John Pringle was pleased to learn his short story collection "Spirals, Stories of Northwestern Ontario" was nominated for the Whistler Independent Book Award, 2017. His first collection "The Truth Ratio" has been re- published with six additional stories and is available in Chapters and Coles. His third volume of stories "Dandelion will be launched in Thunder Bay this autumn.

The Loxleys and Confederation.

A great graphic novel by Mark Zuehlke, Claude St. Aubin, Alexander Finbow and Niigaanwewidam Sinclair. We follow a ficttious family as they travel, meet the famous fathers, learn about Aboriginal people, fight the Fenians., and in one case, fall in love. Beautiful art work and historically accurate. The book follows the award winning The Loxleys and the War of 1812.

Sponsor?

Want to take on a unique role in NOWW'S Annual Writing Contest?

Want to show your support and encourage fine writing in Northwestern Ontario?

Then consider being a sponsor of a writing category for this year's event!

Categories include:

Short Fiction

Novel Excerpt

Creative Nonfiction

Poetry

You can sponsor a category in whole for $250 or in part: 1st prize: $125, 2nd prize: $75 or 3rd prize: $50

And don't worry! Your good deed will not go unnoticed. With your contribution you (or your business) will receive a great deal of wonderful exposure, including:

- recognition in the NOWW website and NOWW magazine

- recognition during the awards ceremony on Sat, May 13, 2017

- many high fives and pats on the back from your beloved NOWW members

We're also looking for prizes to give out during the evening.

If you have something you wish to donate or if you would like to sponsor a category in whole or in part please contact Donna at gdkkwhite@tbaytel.net or call her at 933-4220.

Award Winning Children's Book

Congratulations Bonnie Ferrante

Here is the book to buy a child for Xmas, Thunder Bay's Bonnie Ferrante's award winning Amida Tree

Bonnie Ferrante's children's picture book, The Amida Tree, has won the Silver Medal from the Mom's Choice Awards.

The Amida Tree is this generation's tree. It will appeal to parents interested in a sustainable environment, healthy emotional bonds, a balanced life, and ethical living. It empowers girls by encouraging interest in science and education. The story shows how it possible to live happily in harmony with nature. By breaking free of habit and thinking creatively, children can forge a healthier, brighter future for themselves and all living creatures.

Gordon Korman number one New York Times Best Selling author, who has sold more than 17 million books, on

The Amida Tree

"This piece works so well… There’s beauty in the simplicity of its telling, and the communication between the woman and the tree is hauntingly believable."

Doug Diaczuk

Doug Diaczuk with his novel "Chalk."

Doug Diaczuk's novel Chalk was almost sold out by the time I arrived at Chapters last Saturday. Only five copies left. So I snagged one. This award winning novel looks like an intriguing read.

A Writers' Group Has Opening for NWO Writers

Dear Joan, Writers Northwest has openings for new members. We send our work and critiques by email. Any writers living in Northwestern Ontario who would like to join this critique group, please contact Bonnie at b.Ferrante@tbaytel.netfor further information. Bonnie Ferrante.

Random Acts of Poetry

Yiddish for Pirates by Gary Barwin

Short listed for GG prize in fiction

Short List Governor General's Literary Awards 2016

FICTION:

“Yiddish for Pirates” by Gary Barwin (Hamilton)

“The Parcel” by Anosh Irani (North Vancouver, B.C.)

“Willem de Kooning’s Paintbrush” by Kerry Lee Powell (Moncton, N.B.)

“Do Not Say We Have Nothing” by Madeleine Thien (Montreal)

“The Break” by Katherena Vermette (Winnipeg)

NON-FICTION:

“Brown: What Being Brown in the World Today Means (To Everyone)” by Kamal Al-Solaylee (Toronto)

“In-Between Days: A Memoir About Living with Cancer” by Teva Harrison (Toronto)

Writing Wisdom from Carol Shiels

“A story is about moving from one state to another, a movement that, in more interesting fiction, is psychological, involving a growth of awareness, a gathering of insight about what it means to be human.”

On Art

“There is another reality, the genuine one, which we lose sight of. This other reality is always sending us hints, which without art, we can’t receive. (Saul Bellow from his Nobel Prize speech)

Virginia Woolf

Note Geraldton writers. Workshop on How to Start a Story from Scratch.

Workshop with Edgar Lavoie Greenstone Library, March 2

Charlie Wilkins

Judge in 2016 NOWW Contest (photo Baril)

Northern Woman's Bookstore closed for now.

Hard to believe that Xmas and New Years have passed and now we are firmly in 2016! Hope your holiday was full of blessings.

As you know the Northern Woman's Bookstore is closed and will remain so for an indeterminate amount of time.

For this reason, we are returning consignments of books, CD's, cards and jewellery.

If you have consignments here, we ask that they be picked up by you or someone you designate.

Please contact me to arrange a time to pick up your work by emailing me at northernwomansbookstore@gmail.com or calling me at 344-7979. Please leave a message if I am not here and I will get back to you as soon as I am able.If you live out of town, also please contact me so we can mail your works back to you.

Margaret was thrilled to carry the works of local writers, musicians, and artists. We thank you for this privilege and also for your understanding during this difficult time.

Giller Short List

André Alexis for his novel Fifteen Dogs, published by Coach House Books

Samuel Archibald for his story collection Arvida, published by Biblioasis, translated from the French by Donald Winkler

Rachel Cusk for her novel Outline, published by Harper Perennial, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Heather O’Neill for her story collection Daydreams of Angels, published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Anakana Schofield for her novel Martin John, published by A John Metcalf Book, an imprint of Biblioasis

What is Creative Non-fiction?

I have been asked this question and CBC has the answer. The following definition is given in the rules for their creative non-fiction contest.

Creative non- fiction includes memoir, biography, humour writing, essay (including personal essay), travel writing, and feature articles. While the events must be real and the facts true, creative nonfiction conveys your message through the use of literary techniques such as characterization, plot, setting, dialogue, narrative, and personal reflection. In works of creative nonfiction, the writer's voice and opinion are evident. The work should be accessible to a general reading audience

A Book Must Be...

Toronto Book Award Shotlist

A lit list to consider, composted of very good writers. I will vouch for Atwood's Stone Mattress. Short stories to die for. The last story "Torching the Dusties" is a masterpiece. Joan M. Baril

André Alexis for Fifteen Dogs (Coach House) a novella that explores universal truths about human nature, with dogs that have been granted human consciousness taking part in a social experiment to explore happiness.

Margaret Atwood for Stone Mattress (McClelland & Stewart), a collection of short stories that was also nominated for the Trillium Book Award.

Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer for All the Broken Things (Random House), which our reviewer called “an achingly beautiful novel about a bond between a bear and a boy whose relationship embodies the Canadian desire for reunion with the wilderness.”

Bruce McDougall for The Last Hockey Game (Goose Lane), a look at the final game of the six-team era of the NHL, which ended in 1967.

Emily St. John Mandel for Station Eleven (Harper Avenue), a novel that looks at fame and ambition through the story of an actor who dies during a production of King Lear.

The Dawn Chorus by Helen Humphrys

Recommended by Laurie Elmquist and Joan M. Baril

De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage

Recommended by Hanalii Atkinson

The Best Canadian Essays, 2014 (includes an essay by Marion Agnew)

recommended by Michael Sobota

The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Recommended by Susan Rogers

Clay by Melissa Harrison

Recommended by Marion Agnew

Rust is a From of Fire

Joe Fiorito's enchanting and strange little book, Rust is a Form of Fire, is now available at the Northern Woman's Bookstore.

Writing by Ernest

Northern Woman's Bookstore

Sale!!! 25% off

Sale, Northern Woman's Bookstore

25% off

From Richard Wagamese

I no longer want to be resilient. I don’t want to simply ‘bounce back’ from things that hurt me or cause me pain. Bouncing back just means returning to where I stood before. I want to go beyond the hurts and darkness. For me, the first step forward to genuine healing from my mental illness was when I came to trust and believe that there was a ‘beyond.’ I reach for beyond every day, in every encounter, in every circumstance. To boldly go where I have never traveled. I wake with the vision of a purposeful day, filled with adventures and teachings then I take the first step and try to make it so… Beyond. Grateful that there is always a ‘there’ to strive for instead of being stuck ‘here.’

A Book for Toddlers

The first image a baby recognizes is the human face. This book helps them to examine and name the details. Help your child develop observational skills by figuring out what's missing from each face. The fun pictures range from simple to challenging. For ages 2-5.

A Spring Poem by Martin Hicks

A Simple Query

Once more the sun comes up again

To grace with warmth cold scenery,

While universe light can't explain

Conducts sphere's vast machinery.

Our race continues flight frenetic

Inherent in first maverick gene;

Wild quark and atom spin kinetic

To spheroid stresses yet unseen.

All life pursues a fresh employment

While exercising on mixed green

Set patterns instinct with enjoyment,

Connecting needs sublime and mean.

White gulls and gnats here fly to task

Procuring scraps, partaking food.

Why does mind brood apart and ask

What I must do to mesh with mood.

-Martin. Hicks

Ice Run by Steve Hamiliton

Wasung, Ojibewe woman, Lake Superior,

Charcoal portrait 1856

Ru, by Kim Thuy

Winner, 2015 Canada Reads

Writing/Reading

Women Riders, Nez Perce

Coleville Reservation, c1912

Good Spear Woman Smiling 1906

Glass Negative by Walter McClintock

Open Mic, Book sale and Coffee

The Communi Tea and Coffee House in Westfort

Hosts an open mic for writers this Saturday February 21 and every second last Saturday of every month

Bring your poems, bring your prose and bring your books to sell

108 Fredrica Street E across the street from Westfort Foods

More info phone Erika Maki at 475 6977

Amy Jones

Thunder Bay's e writer in residence

“All sorrows can be borne if you put them in a story or tell a story about them,” said the writer Isak Dinesen

Writers Guild has Opening

The Thunder Bay Writers Guild, the region's longest running writing group, has room for a new member (membership is limited to 12). Guild members meet monthly at Confederation College to critique each other's work. Applicants may submit two writing samples, up to 3500 words each. Short stories or creative non-fiction preferred. Send writing samples along with contact information to debakker@tbaytel.net.

Wab Kinew

Canada Reads

Elizabeth May and her latest book

Elizabeth May in Thunder Bay

A Public Talk with Elizabeth May regarding her new book, Who We Are:Reflections on My Life and Canada on Friday November 21st at 7pm in the Provincial Room of the Prince Arthur Hotel.

In this marriage of memoir and manifesto, Elizabeth provides personal perspectives on her approach to politics, policy and what it means to be Canadian.

Hosted by Bruce Hyer, MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Green Party Deputy Leader.

Thomas King

GG Nominee (full list tomorrow)

Poet Jane Crossman

Poet reclines on her poetry at Marina Park

Doug Livingstone

New poetry book released

Apollo Launch for Livingston

Local publisher un/speak/able press releases Kata Hodos, a poetry volume by NOWW member Doug Livingston, at The Apollo Bar (239 Red River Road) on Saturday, October 4 at 7 pm. Also featured are CD releases by Escape Artist and Mule, as well as a poetry/music open mic. Congratulations, Doug! Hope to see everyone there!

Jean Morrison at her camp on Lake Superior

Celebration of Life, Old Fort, Oct. 3. 2:30 pm

Edgar LaVoie

Reading

Edgar LaVoie reading Saturday, Sept 27.

Hi, JoanBaggage Building Arts Centre at Prince Arthur's Landing is holding an author event this Saturday, "Through the Writing Glass". From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., individual authors will have a half-hour block of time. My time is 1:30 to 2:00. I plan to read from my series The Chonicles of Goshen and make some references to my two mystery thrillers. Hope some of you can make it.Regards,Edgar

P.S. Feel free to circulate this notice.

In the bag, the book bag that is.

Copies available for your book club!

Book Bag Books at the Library

Hello Joan,

As promised, we currently have some new titles available in the Book Club in a Bag collection.

The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Benediction by Kent Haruf

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Sweetland by Michael Crummey

The following titles were generously donated by local book clubs:

The Dowry Bride by Shobhan Bantwal donated by the Wordy Dozen Book Club

Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation & Residential Schools donated by the Silver Islet Book Club

Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese donated by the Chapter One Book Club

Why I Write by Richard Wagamese

I write to fulfill my destiny. I write to confront everything that confused, vexed and pained me in life. I write to celebrate everything that enlarges me, lends me scope, allows me to fit within this body that contains me. I write so that I might see myself, others, the world and the universe through the only lens that truly transcends the mundane, the probable, the ordinary and restricting - the imagination. I write to extend my own boundaries. If I never published anything again, I would still write for the same reasons…

Being Your Own Publicist

NOWW will be offering a free workshop entitled Being Your Own Publicist: Media, Reading, and Book Promotion. The facilitator will be Debbie Okun Hill, who has been writing for over 30 years.Tarnished Trophies is her first full collection of poems.

This workshop is free and open to the public. No need to register.

Readings with the Marina Writers

Sept. 28, 1 -2pm, Spirit Garden, Marina

“All writers are vain, selfish, and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery. Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand." George Orwell, the opening lines of his great essay "Why I Write."

Ali Smith

Shortlist, Man Booker Prize

Man Booker Short List, 2014

Joshua Ferris for To Rise Again at a Decent Hour

Richard Flanagan for The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Karen Joy Fowler for We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

Howard Jacobson for J

Neel Mukherjee for The Lives of Others

Ali Smith for How to be Both

Good advice for writers from Ken Follett

In all popular fiction, the author’s aim must be to get the reader to feel the emotions of the characters. That’s what makes the reader turn the pages.

Reading

There will be a coffee house held by un/speak/able press at the Unitarian Hall on Algoma Street, Saturday July 19 at 7 pm, in support of a book publishing to take place (hopefully) this fall.

The event will include poetry reading and music, coffee, and baked goods. Admission is by donation. Hope to see you there!

Annabel by Kathleen Winter

In the Book Bag (see text below)

Book Bag Lady from the Public Library

Hello Joan,

I am happy to let you know that there are 3 new Book Club in a Bag titles:

Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese (generously donated by the Chapter One Book Club)

The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar (generously donated by the Rockin Red Readers Book Club)

Annabel by Kathleen Winter (donated by anonymous)

If you would like to reserve any of these titles for your club, please email or phone me.

Thanks

Helen

Wisdom of Tom Robbins

In a story from T0m Robbins memoir, Tibetan Peach Pie, Robbins relates that in 1940 he won a radio in a carnival raffle, only to sell it 10 days later for money to buy books. “Nothing the human race has ever invented,” Robbins writes, “is more cool than a book.”

The Bottom Line We are waiting for you Adam, To examine your conscience, to change your think, To go with the flow and support us. We are ...

Richard Wagamese

with writers Deborah deBakker and Jane Crossman

Another One Bites the Dust

Huge Chapters downtown Toronto closes

The Dead by James Joyce

Greatest short story is 100.

The book that “was ripped up, burned, bowdlerized, rejected, resurrected, lost, dismissed, forgotten, thrown away, flogged, flayed and eventually cerebrated"is 100 years old this month. Happy birthday to James Joyce’s The Dubliners, the essential book of short stories and among them the greatest short story ever. The Dead.

Advice for Writers

"I can only encourage you to steal as much as you can." W.G. Sebald.

More from Karen

Hi Joan, I want to add I'm totally excited and honoured that Sabotage is also now shortlisted for the

Reading at Brodie

This February 25, you could stay home and celebrate International Clam Chowder Day, or International Chocolate-Covered Peanut Day (although hopefully not at the same time!) Or, you could come out and enjoy a reading by some authors that are sure to satisfy all aspects of your palate. All are welcome!

Writer Joseph Boyden

Coming to Thunder Bay

Joseph Boyden coming to Thunder Bay

Joseph Boyden, prize winning author of The Orenda, Three Day Road and Through Black Spruce will be speaking in Thunder Bay at Lakehead University Ryan Building, Room 1017, on March 5, 7 - 9 pm. Free to the public. See you there!

Ontario Arts Council information session

Information Session for Professional Writers and Spoken Word Artists

TheOntario Arts Council (OAC) would like to invite professional writers and spoken word artists to attend an information session to learn more about OAC grants and services.

No RSVP required.The information session will be conducted in English only.

For more information please contact Marilyn McIntosh in Thunder Bay at 807-622-4279 (toll-free at 1-866-391-2221 or email mmcintosh@arts.on.ca.

We would like to thank the Thunder Bay Public Library for hosting this session.

Bonnie Ferrante' s latest

Too Quiet, Too Noisy

Burning Book Press launches

Fuel

Community Book Market

Fri Feb 21, 7-10pm @ DefSupExperience one, red-hot celebratory night of literary arts at Definitely Superior Art Gallery’s Book Launch and Community Market! Presented by DefSup’s small book and zine publishing house, burining.books,press, which serves Northwestern Ontario and hundreds of literary artists, with generous support from the Ontario Arts Council. Featuring: the official launch and sale of the gallery’s new Fuel anthology of poetry and prose-[featuring 50 writers], new issues of Die Active Zine-[100+ young artists] and a Community Book Market!

Browse and shop the mega-concentration of unique and limited edition books and zines, published by local/regional writers and literary groups. All forms of books will be found at the market, from stapled zines to perfect bound books, inclusive of poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and more.Enjoy a spectrum of guest speakers, readings, live music, and catered refreshments! The market will also feature Soap Box Readings; Writers and attendees are invited to give spontaneous readings on the soap box platform. All ages / by donation / licensed event. burning.books.press: igniting the flame for the literary arts! Contact reneedefsup@tbaytel.net for more information on the Community Book Market.

This workshop is designed to improve the work of those writers who enter their short stories, memoirs, and poems in writing contests. The timing of this workshop allows participants time to polish their work for entry in the NOWW annual writing contest. Sue Blott, a writer who has experienced success across varied categories, will lead this workshop.

Ania Szado

Fiction judge at NOWW's 2014 contest

NOWW' Annual Contest

Four categories, fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction.

Free for members, 10$ for non members.

Limit two subs per category.

Check it out at nowwwriters.org.

Michele Giuttari is in the Bag

Hello Joan

We have a new title in our Book Club in a Bag collection. It is "A Death in Tuscany" by leading Italian crime writer Michele Giuttari. This book was generously donated by the Golden Heads and Silver Readers Book Club. If anyone would like to reserve this new title for their club, please call or email me.

ThanksHelen Cimone. 345 8275 Mary J. Black Library

The writer is...

A writer is someone who, embarking upon a task, does not know what to do… Thenot-knowing is crucial to art, it is what permits art to be made. Without thescanning process engendered by not-knowing, without the possibility of havingthe mind move in unanticipated directions, there would be noinvention."—Donald Barthelme

Win her adventure novel,"Caught."

Contest details below

Caught by Lisa Moore

Contest !!!

What book do you want to find in your stocking of Christmas morning? Send me your pick or picks and all go into a draw for a copy of Caught by Lisa Moore. Send to joanbaril@ gmail.com. Send more than one pick and all goes in the hat. Draw takes place on December 21.

Love to Hear from You

Publish your work. All submissions welcome. Poetry, short fiction, memoir, non-fiction - sent to joanbaril@gmail.com. Can be previously published.

Launch Delayed

Printing and shipping problems have delayed the launch of the short story collection called Thundering. Stay tuned here for the launch date which may be moved into January.

Brian Jones reading from his NaNoReMo novel

both pilots ill, he takes over the airliner

Tessa Soderburg reads from her NaNoReMo novel

a mix of western and time travel

NOWW Announces

Out of Time

by Dave Laderoute

Canada Reads Top Ten

Here are the picks from Canadian readers!!! Some of my favourites are here - The Year of the Flood, What the Body Remembers, Half Blood Blues, and Annabel. Some I have yet to read including Orenda by Joseph Boyden and Octobe 1970 by Louis Hamelin.The top 10 are:

Giller Long List - 2013

Dennis Bock for his novel Going Home Again, published by HarperCollinsJoseph Boyden for his novel The Orenda, published by Hamish HamiltonLynn Coady for her short story collection Hellgoing, published by House of Anansi Craig Davidson for his novel Cataract City, published by Doubleday Elisabeth De Mariaffi for her short story collection How To Get Along With Women, published by Invisible PublishingDavid Gilmour for his novel Extraordinary, published by Patrick Crean EditionsWayne Grady for his novel Emancipation Day, published by Doubleday CanadaLouis Hamelin for his novel October 1970, translated by Wayne Grady and published by House of Anansi Press Wayne Johnston for his novel The Son of a Certain Woman, published by Knopf CanadaClaire Messud for her novel The Woman Upstairs, published by Knopf CanadaLisa Moore for her novel Caught, published by House of Anansi PressDan Vyleta for his novel The Crooked Maid, published by HarperCollins CanadaMichael Winter for his novel Minister Without Portfolio, published by Hamish Hamilton Canada

Pass the Hemlock

Chapters has gone into office furniture as if the floor space was not already eaten up by cards, candles and carafes.

According to the Toronto Star of August 13, "given the lamentable state of publishing and the record business, (Chapters/Indigo) is cleverly repositioning itself in the marketplace as a “purveyor of ideas and inspiration."

Correct me if I am wrong but are not books "purveyors of ideas and inspiration"?

Or, if not, pass the hemlock.

Catch the Wave with Charlie

Little Ship of Fools: Sixteen Rowers, One Improbable Boat, Seven Tumultuous Weeks on the Atlantic will début October 24.. The book is the result of Charlie Wilkins' wild and crazy row across the Atlantic.

The library has ordered several copies and you can put your hold on line now.

Charlie has also made the movies. Kelly Saxberg's documentary on the big blue row, called Life is But a Dream:Big Blue Row, will be shown at the Bay Street Film Festival on September 7

The Bottom Line We are waiting for you Adam, To examine your conscience, to change your think, To go with the flow and support us. We are ...

Google+ Followers

Now in the library book bag

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

Note from Book Bag Lady

Hello JoanBook Clubs in a Bag has received a new donation.

Thanks to the Club du Vin Book Club, "The Dovekeepers" by Alice Hoffman is now available for booking.

I anyone would like to reserve this title for their group, please let me know.Thanks again to "Club du Vin" for the great donation.

Helen Cimone, Mary J. Black Library

John Ralston Saul slams Proust

Once (Proust and Joyce) had been adopted as the reigning geniuses of the modern revolution in literature, the novel was effectively dead as the leading linguistic tool for asking essential questions and changing society.

What they did - inadvertently in the case of Proust - was to destroy both language and the story as bridges between the novel and the public.

From "Voltaire's Bastards" by John Ralston Saul

Drury Lane Books

Grand Marais

Good News

Positive news for the independent book seller. According to the American Booksellers Association, the independents in the US are increasing sales. As well, fifty-five new independent book stores opened last year in the US. I know, I know. Not many for such a huge country but not a negative number either,a bright light in a decade of independent closings.

Recently, in Calgary, I visited Pages on Kensington - a superb indie. I hope and pray all my favourite indie book stores thrive. I am thinking about Drury Lane in Grand Marias, The Northern W0men's Book Store in Thunder Bay.

In the Book Bag

Book Clubs can borrow a set

A Note from Helen Cimone aka Book Bag Lady

Hello JoanI would like to let you all know that we have another new Book Club Bag. It is "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed - a New York Times Bestseller.

This book bag was generously donated by the GLOWs Book Club.

Also, please send all future book bag requests to bookclub@tbpl.ca, or you can continue to call me at the Mary J.L. Black Library.ThanksHelen--Helen CimonePublic Services Assistant

November Workshop Announced.

A Thunder Bay weekend workshop sas part of International Festival of Authors and in cooperation with Humber College

The workshop will take place in Thunder Bay (November 2-3) with Humber School of Writers' founder, Joe Kertes.

On writing one's memoirs by Hillary Mantel

Memoir’s not an easy form. It’s not for beginners, which is unfortunate, as it is where many people do begin. It’s hard for beginners to accept that unmediated truth often sounds unlikely and unconvincing. If other people are to care about your life, art must intervene. The writer has to negotiate with her memories, and with her reader, and find a way, without interrupting the flow, to caution that this cannot be a true record: this is a version, seen from a single viewpoint. But she has to make it as true as she can. Writing a memoir is a process of facing yourself, so you must do it when you are ready.

Hello Joan, Good news!We have just added 5 new titles to our Book Club in a Bag collection. All of these were generously donated by Aids Thunder Bay. If you would like to reserve any of these titles for your group, please email or call me at the Mary J.L. Black Branch Library.Thank You Helen

Objects of My Affection by Jill SmolinskiDream of Ding Village by Yan LiankeSing You Home by Jodi PicoultWhy Be Happy When You Could Be Normal by Jeanette WintersonAcqua Calda by Keith McDermott--

Poet Rona Saffran

Launching her new book, "Ignite."

Ignite

Rona Saffran in the greatest poet I know. Her work is accesible, strong, erotic, honest, polished. Her new book, Ignite, dealswith a middle-aged woman's angst over the loss of love as a romantic or platonic pastime. And it also takes ribald pleasure as love is re-ignited.

A letter from the book bag lady

Hello Joan,

I am happy to let you know that we have recently added three new titles to our Book Club in a Bag collection

Inside by Alix Ohlin, a Scotiabank Giller Prize Finalist, donated by the Wordy Dozen Book Club

Something Fierce by Carmen Aguirre, 2012 Canada Reads Winner, donated by the Chic Lit Book Club

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards, also generously donated by a local book club.If anyone wishes to reserve one of these titles, please call or email me.

Thanks HelenMary J.L. Black Library TEL: (807)-345-8275

Mark Schacter, Photographer

Presenting his book on the Great Lakes at Waverley

Heather Esdon

1956-2013

Everything is So Political including a story by Joan Baril

available, Northern Women's, Amazon, Chapters etc.

Keeping the Peace: stories by the wonderful Colette Maitland

Available for pre-order at both Chapters and Amazon

Louise Penny

Judge of local mystery short fiction

Launch for Outworld Apocalypse

Book Launch: Thunder Bay author Bonnie Tittaferrante writing as Bonnie Ferrante will be sharing her third novel, Dawn's End: OUTWORLD APOCALYPSE.What if the May 2012 flood was just the beginning?

Submissions

Poetry, short fiction, creative non- fiction. Send to joanbaril@gmail.com. Previously published OK. If you want send a matching photo as a j peg or a photo of you.

Follow this blog by Email

Brit book seller gets 250,000 downloads

Hachette’s United Kingdom division has seen a copious amount of digital downloads on Christmas and Boxing Day. They sold over 250,000 eBooks from their website and various resellers.This marks a 86% increase over the same period last year and is a testament to the dramatic surge of digital publishing.

The head of Digital Marketing at Hachette UK George Walkley told the Book Seller that these numbers should increase further, as more stores report in. Bestselling titles included The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart, Standing in Another Man’s Grave by Ian Rankin and The CasualVacancy by JK Rowling.

Leaves and Fishes: A Superior Childhood

Memoir by Thunder Bay native Margaret Rose Cunningham

Buy Leaves and Fishes by mail

This delightful Thunder Bay memoir can be ordered from Margaret R. Cunningham, 3008 McCarthy Road, Ottawa, ON, K1V 8K8 Cheque of money order. The cost is 20$ and that includes postage.

Lynx

Nipigon, December 2012

"The thing is not to write what no one else could have written, but to write what only you could have written." Nam Le, "The Boat."

Lake Superior in December

photo by Lise Vaugeois

Outside the Lines

Playing and singing at Women's Literature Night

Susan Goldberg

Reader at Woman's Literature Night

Writing in Depth

Every good short story has to be underpinned by some human truth. Kevin Barry in the New Yorker

New Book Club Titles

Helen Cimone, the Book Bag Lady, sends us the following update. Your book club can check out a bag of books, one book for each member of your club and return much later.

Hello Joan, I would like to let everyone know that we have 2 new Book Club in a Bag titles:

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny(This item was generously donated in memory of Verna Cameron) Thank You!

If you would like to reserve any of these titles for your groupplease email or call me at the Mary J.L. Black Branch Library.Thank You, Helen Cimone 345 8275

Library Invitation

Dear Joan, This is an invitation to a meet andgreet with our new Chief Librarian,John Pateman.Please drop in to meet John on Saturday, November 24anytime from 2-4 pm at the Mary J.L. Black Branch Library (Community Program Room).RSVPs not necessary. Hope to see you there.

Nowadays brings Zombies to Thunder Bay

Launch Friday 2, 2012

Writer Helen Humphreys

Booker Short List

I have read from this list only "Bring up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel, a great book but I preferred the first in the series "Wolf Hall." Swimming Home, Umbrella, and The Lighthouse may not be available yet in Canada.

Now in bookstores

Stories by Joan Baril, Ivan Coyote etc.

Book Club Picks South of the Border

From the Drury Lane Books' Newsletter in Grand MariasBenny and the Shrimp by Kathy MazettiSummer by Edith WhartonSeven Houses by Alev Lytle CroutierThe History of Love by Nicole KraussUnbroken by Laura HillenbrandState of Wonder by Ann PatchettCrow Lake by Mary LawsonThe Weight of Heaven by Thrity UmigarTurnip Blues by Helen CampbellThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsHalf Broke Horses by Jeannette WallMountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy KidderThe Other Side of the Bridge by Mary LawsonBeatrice and Virgil by Yann MartelMaking It by Penelope LivelyJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteWide Sargasso Sea by Jean RhysVisitors by Anita Brookner

More Advice on Writing

There are three rules to writing a novel; unfortunately no one know what they are. Sommerset Maugham.

Maeve Binchy

LONDON—Maeve Binchy, one of Ireland’s most beloved writers, has died in Dublin after a short illness at the age of 72, Irish media reported on Tuesday.

Binchy was revered by countless fans around the world for such novels as Light a Penny Candle, Tara Road and Circle of Friends, which was adapted for the screen in 1995 starring Chris O’Donnell and Minnie Driver. She sold more than 40 million books worldwide.Her novels and short stories often examined the friction between tradition and modern life in Ireland. Her works have been translated into 37 languages.

In fiction, E books surpass paper

According to the New York Times, book buyers now prefer fiction in the e book format. Why fiction? Unlike non-fiction books, e books have no (or few) pictures and few charts, recipes or sidebars which require jumping back and forth among pages, a task which can be frustrating on an e book. Romance readers have really taken to e books and have led the move from paper to e. Romance readers are often adicts who whizz through book after book. When the romance reader turns the last page she may find a trip to the box store inconvenient. But a download can be done at home in the middle of the night. Also when fiction readers in general find an author they like, they often want to read that author's back list, easier to acess on the Kobo (Kindle etc) than from the shelves in Chapters.

The e books stomp!

On the ebooks front, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) released a new report in May showing that ebook net sales revenue in the US for 2011 was $21.5 million, up 332.6% over 2010.

In Britain the major book sellers are featuring the Kobo (the Chapters entry to e book land). I saw the display in London. Yet when I finished my e book book (Patrick Melrose by Edmund St. Aubyn) could I pass the copy on to my travelling companion as I could a print copy. Not unless I handed over my Kobo. The e reader is great for travelling but more and more, I prefer the print stuff. And today, in Thunder Bay, at Chapters I note the sales on the printed books. Cheaper and cheaper. As for the poor author - one can only whince.

A Great Book

Available for Book Clubs

New Book Bag Titles

Hello Everyone! There are 4 new titles available in the Book Club in a Bag Collection.Crank by Ellen HopkinsGlass by Ellen HopkinsStolen Life:The Journey of a Cree Woman by Rudy Wiebe and Yvonne JohnsonJack Holmes & His Friend by Edmund WhiteAll 4 titles were generously donated by Aids Thunder Bay.If anyone is interested in reserving these titles for their club, please email or call me at the Mary J.L. Black Library 345-8275. Ask for Helen!!

KISS ME (I'm a Prince!)

by Heather McLeod

Congrats to Heather McLeod

Congratulations to Heather McLeod, whose wonderful children's book KISS ME (I'm a Prince!) was chosen as HONOUR BOOK in the recent Blue Spruce competition.

Maude Barlow

In Thunder Bay Thursday May 17

Michael Christie Reading

Waverley Auditorium, 7 pm, April 23

International Women's Day, 2012

Dusty Miller (1928 - 2012)

Champion of the Arts

Winner of Canada Reads

Something Fierce by Carmen Aguirre

Carmen Aguirre wins Canada Reads

Carmen Aguirre came out victorious at this year’s CBC Canada Reads. The B.C.-based author and playwright’s memoir, Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter (Douglas & McIntyre), about growing up in the underground among South American revolutionaries during the 1970s, beat out Ken Dryden’s The Game (Wiley Canada), the former Habs goalie’s recollections of pro hockey and a very different version of the ’70s

Antanas Sileika

author of Underground.

On the Road, a classic

by Jaock Kerouac

“Always remember, there is no city in the world which has erected a statue to a critic.” Jan Sibelius

Popular British Canadian author's best selling work

Twopence to Cross the Mersy, based on the author's early years.

Popular writer Helen Forrester, British born who lived in Canada, died November 24, at 92

Her Liverpool books created the genre of gritty working class memoirs. Her books are in all the local libraries.

Little Shadows by Marina Endicott

Eye Lake by Tristam Hughes

Launch Oct. 19. 7 p.m at the art gallery

Ten Good Seconds of Silence

by Elizabeth Ruth

Poisoned

by Bonnie Ferrante

And we can change the world.

Eddie's Desert Rose

It is the 1980's and everyone is trying to get ahead. Dave and Eddie Bates seek their fortune in Saudi Arabia but one day, Eddie turns up dead. Great thriller available at Amazon.com.